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◄ Isaiah 14:17►

New International Version
the man who made the world a wilderness, who overthrew its cities and would not let his captives go home?”

New Living Translation
Is this the one who destroyed the world and made it into a wasteland? Is this the king who demolished the world’s greatest cities and had no mercy on his prisoners?’

English Standard Version
who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who did not let his prisoners go home?’

Berean Standard Bible
who turned the world into a desert and destroyed its cities, who refused to let the captives return to their homes?”

King James Bible
That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof;that opened not the house of his prisoners?

New King James Version
Who made the world as a wilderness And destroyed its cities,Who did not open the house of his prisoners?’

New American Standard Bible
Who made the world like a wilderness And overthrew its cities, Who did not allow his prisoners togo home?’

NASB 1995
Who made the world like a wilderness And overthrew its cities, Who did not allow his prisoners to go home?’

NASB 1977
Who made the world like a wilderness And overthrew its cities, Who did not allow his prisoners togo home?’

Legacy Standard Bible
Who made the world like a wilderness And pulled down its cities, Who did not allow his prisoners togo home?’

Amplified Bible
Who made the world like a wilderness And overthrew its cities, Who did not permit his prisoners to return home?’

Christian Standard Bible
who turned the world into a wilderness, who destroyed its cities and would not release the prisoners to return home? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
who turned the world into a wilderness, who destroyed its cities and would not release the prisoners to return home?”

American Standard Version
that made the world as a wilderness, and overthrew the cities thereof; that let not loose his prisoners to their home?

Contemporary English Version
Did he capture every city and make earth a desert? Is he the one who refused to let prisoners go home?"

English Revised Version
that made the world as a wilderness, and overthrew the cities thereof; that let not loose his prisoners to their home?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
who made the world like a desert and tore down its cities, who didn't let his prisoners go home?"

Good News Translation
Is this the man who destroyed cities and turned the world into a desert? Is this the man who never freed his prisoners or let them go home?"

International Standard Version
who made the world like a desert, who destroyed its cities, who would not open the jails for his prisoners?'

NET Bible
Is this the one who made the world like a desert, who ruined its cities, and refused to free his prisoners so they could return home?"'

New Heart English Bible
who made the world like a wilderness, and overthrew its cities; who did not release his prisoners to their home?"

Webster's Bible Translation
That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed its cities; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
who turned the world into a desert and destroyed its cities, who refused to let the captives return to their homes?”

World English Bible
who made the world like a wilderness, and overthrew its cities, who didn’t release his prisoners to their home?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
He has made the world as a wilderness, "" And he has broken down his cities, "" He did not open the house of his bound ones.

Young's Literal Translation
He hath made the world as a wilderness, And his cities he hath broken down, Of his bound ones he opened not the house.

Smith's Literal Translation
Setting the habitable globe as a desert, and destroying its cities: for his bound opening not the house.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
That made the world a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof, that opened not the prison to his prisoners?

Catholic Public Domain Version
who made the world into a desert and destroyed its cities, who would not even open a prison for his prisoners?’ ”

New American Bible
Who made the world a wilderness, razed its cities, and gave captives no release?”

New Revised Standard Version
who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who would not let his prisoners go home?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Who made the world as a wilderness and destroyed its cities; who did not free his prisoners?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he laid waste to the world as a wilderness, and he has ruined the cities and he did not release his prisoners’

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
That made the world as a wilderness, And destroyed the cities thereof; That opened not the house of his prisoners?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
that made the whole world desolate, and destroyed its cities; he loosed not those who were in captivity.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Downfall of the King of Babylon
…16Those who see you will stare; they will ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made the kingdoms tremble,17who turned the world into a desert and destroyed its cities,who refused to let the captives return to their homes?”18All the kings of the nations lie in state, each in his own tomb.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Jeremiah 50:23
How the hammer of the whole earth lies broken and shattered! What a horror Babylon has become among the nations!

Jeremiah 51:25-26
“Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, you who devastate the whole earth, declares the LORD. I will stretch out My hand against you; I will roll you over the cliffs and turn you into a charred mountain. / No one shall retrieve from you a cornerstone or a foundation stone, because you will become desolate forever,” declares the LORD.

Revelation 18:10
In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

Revelation 18:21
Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again.

Ezekiel 28:16-17
By the vastness of your trade, you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mountain of God, and I banished you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. / Your heart grew proud of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor; so I cast you to the earth; I made you a spectacle before kings.

Jeremiah 51:7
Babylon was a gold cup in the hand of the LORD, making the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore the nations have gone mad.

Revelation 17:2
The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and those who dwell on the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her immorality.”

Revelation 18:3
All the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her immorality. The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown wealthy from the extravagance of her luxury.”

Ezekiel 26:19-21
For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When I make you a desolate city like other deserted cities, and when I raise up the deep against you so that the mighty waters cover you, / then I will bring you down with those who descend to the Pit, to the people of antiquity. I will make you dwell in the earth below like the ancient ruins, with those who descend to the Pit, so that you will no longer be inhabited or set in splendor in the land of the living. / I will make you an object of horror, and you will be no more. You will be sought, but will never be found,’ declares the Lord GOD.”

Jeremiah 51:13
You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the thread of your life is cut.

Revelation 14:8
Then a second angel followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who has made all the nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality.”

Revelation 19:2
For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.”

Jeremiah 51:29
The earth quakes and writhes because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant.

Ezekiel 32:18-21
“Son of man, wail for the multitudes of Egypt, and consign her and the daughters of the mighty nations to the depths of the earth with those who descend to the Pit: / Whom do you surpass in beauty? Go down and be placed with the uncircumcised! / They will fall among those slain by the sword. The sword is appointed! Let them drag her away along with all her multitudes. ...

Revelation 18:9
Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her.

Treasury of Scripture

That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

made

Isaiah 13:19-22
And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah…

Isaiah 64:10
Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.

Ezekiel 6:14
So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that Iam the LORD.

opened not the house of his prisoners.

Isaiah 45:13
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 58:6
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

2 Chronicles 28:8-15
And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria…

Jump to Previous

Allow Bound Broken Captives Cities Desert Destroyed Dismissed Home House Loose Ones Opened Overthrew Overturning Prisoners Prison-House Release Thereof Towns Waste Wilderness World

Jump to Next

Allow Bound Broken Captives Cities Desert Destroyed Dismissed Home House Loose Ones Opened Overthrew Overturning Prisoners Prison-House Release Thereof Towns Waste Wilderness World

Isaiah 14

1.God's merciful restoration of Israel
3.Their triumphant exultation over Babel
24.God's purpose against Assyria
29.Philistia is threatened

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

who turned the world into a desert
This phrase reflects the destructive power and influence of the Babylonian empire, often symbolized by its king. Historically, Babylon was known for its military conquests and the devastation it left in its wake. The imagery of turning the world into a desert signifies the desolation and ruin brought upon nations. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness that results from pride and rebellion against God. In a broader biblical context, this desolation echoes the consequences of sin and judgment, reminiscent of the desolation described in the aftermath of the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 4:26).

and destroyed its cities
The destruction of cities highlights the comprehensive nature of Babylon's conquests. Cities in ancient times were centers of culture, commerce, and community life. The fall of a city often meant the collapse of a society's structure and security. This phrase underscores the totality of Babylon's impact, not just on individual lives but on entire civilizations. The destruction of cities is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing divine judgment, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25).

who refused to let the captives return to their homes
This part of the verse points to the oppressive nature of Babylonian rule, where captives were taken from their homeland and not allowed to return. This is historically accurate, as the Babylonian exile was a period when the Israelites were forcibly removed from Judah and held in Babylon. The refusal to let captives return signifies a denial of freedom and restoration. In a prophetic sense, this can be contrasted with the eventual return of the exiles, as decreed by Cyrus the Great (Ezra 1:1-4), which prefigures the ultimate liberation and restoration found in Christ, who sets captives free (Luke 4:18).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Babylon
The empire symbolized by the king inIsaiah 14, known for its power and oppression.

2.King of Babylon
Represents the oppressive rulers who have devastated nations and held captives.

3.Captives
Those who were taken by force and not allowed to return to their homeland.

4.Desert
Symbolizes desolation and destruction brought upon the world by oppressive rulers.

5.Cities
Represents the civilizations and communities that were overthrown and destroyed.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride and Oppression
The passage highlights the destructive nature of pride and the consequences of oppressing others. It serves as a warning against the misuse of power.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Despite the apparent power of oppressive empires, God remains sovereign and will ultimately bring justice and restoration.

Hope for the Oppressed
The verse offers hope to those who are oppressed, reminding them that God sees their plight and will act on their behalf.

The Call to Justice and Mercy
As followers of Christ, we are called to act justly and show mercy, opposing systems of oppression and advocating for the freedom of captives.

The Ultimate Restoration
This passage points to the ultimate restoration that God promises, where all captives will be set free and desolation will be turned into flourishing.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 14:17?

2.How does Isaiah 14:17 illustrate the consequences of pride and rebellion against God?

3.What does "made the world a wilderness" reveal about the impact of sin?

4.How can Isaiah 14:17 guide us in resisting worldly power and influence?

5.Connect Isaiah 14:17 with Jesus' teachings on humility and servanthood.

6.How can we apply the lessons from Isaiah 14:17 in our daily lives?

7.How does Isaiah 14:17 reflect on the nature of power and its misuse?

8.What historical context surrounds Isaiah 14:17 and its implications for ancient Babylon?

9.How does Isaiah 14:17 challenge our understanding of justice and divine retribution?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 14?

11.Why does Isaiah 17's prophecy appear unfulfilled when compared to other passages predicting judgments on Israel's neighbors that were historically verified?

12.How do we reconcile Isaiah 17:3's prediction of the end of fortified cities with other biblical accounts that describe their continued presence in Israel and Judah?

13.In Isaiah 4:1, how could seven women outnumber men to such an extreme level, and is there any historical or scientific evidence for such a ratio?

14.Psalm 85 - How can we harmonize this psalm's hope for national revival with other biblical texts that emphasize permanent punishment or exile?

What Does Isaiah 14:17 Mean

Who turned the world into a desert

Isaiah’s taunt (14:4-21) zeroes in on the king of Babylon but also points behind him to the evil power motivating his cruelty. The phrase pictures a ruler whose impact is the opposite of Eden—he leaves barrenness where God intended blessing (Genesis 1:28).

•Jeremiah 51:25-26 records the LORD calling Babylon a “destroying mountain,” promising to make it “a desolation.”

•Isaiah 13:19-22 portrays once-luxurious Babylon becoming a haunt of wild beasts, confirming that God literally fulfilled His word when Cyrus dried up the Euphrates and conquered the city (cf.Isaiah 44:27-28).

•Revelation 18:2 echoes the same imagery, showing the final fall of “Babylon the Great,” reminding us that any world system opposing God brings devastation, not life.

And destroyed its cities

The charge intensifies: the desolator pulverizes civilization itself. Babylon’s armies flattened fortified towns from Judah to Egypt, boasting, “I cut off nations” (Isaiah 10:13).

•Jeremiah 50:23 calls Babylon “the hammer of the whole earth,” shattered by the very God it tried to defy.

•Psalm 137:8-9 captures the grief of exiles who watched Zion burn under Babylonian assault.

•Nahum 2:10 uses similar language of Nineveh, reminding us that every proud empire eventually reaps what it sows (Galatians 6:7).

Historically, archaeology confirms layers of destruction dating to Nebuchadnezzar’s campaigns; spiritually, the verse warns that sin always dismantles what people work so hard to build (Proverbs 14:34).

Who refused to let the captives return to their homes?

Babylon’s policy was mass deportation (2 Kings 24:14-16), designed to break national identity and ensure obedience. The captives “sat and wept” by the rivers (Psalm 137:1), yearning for release, yet the king “would not open the house of his prisoners” (Isaiah 14:17, lit.).

•Jeremiah 50:33 notes, “The children of Israel and Judah… are oppressed together, and all their captors hold them fast; they refuse to release them.”

• In stark contrast, the LORD declares, “I will free you from the chains on your neck” (Isaiah 52:2)—a promise partially fulfilled when Cyrus issued his decree (Ezra 1:1-4) and completely fulfilled in Christ, who proclaims “liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18).

• Spiritually, Satan still blinds and imprisons (2 Timothy 2:26), but believers celebrate the One who “led captivity captive” (Ephesians 4:8).

summary

Isaiah 14:17 exposes the savage legacy of Babylon’s king—scorching the earth, toppling cities, and chaining captives. History verifies the prophecy, and Scripture traces the same pattern to every godless power: pride breeds devastation, tyranny crushes communities, and sin enslaves. Yet the verse also anticipates God’s triumph: He turns deserts into gardens (Isaiah 35:1), rebuilds ruined cities (Isaiah 61:4), and brings exiles home (Isaiah 43:5-6). The Lord who judged Babylon is the same Redeemer who still breaks chains and restores His people today.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(17)That opened not the house of his prisoners.--Better, as in the margin,he loosed not his prisoners to their homes.This was, we may note, a characteristic feature of the cruelty of the Assyrian kings. So Sennacherib and Assurbanipal boast of having carried off captive kings in "chains of iron" (Records of the Past,i. pp. 43, 62, 72), and kept them chained like dogs in the court of their palace (ib.,pp. 93, 97). So Jehoiachin was kept in prison for thirty-seven years (Jeremiah 52:31).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 17. -That opened not the house of his prisoners; literally,that loosed not his prisoners homewards. The long imprisonment of Jehoiachin by Nebuchadnezzar (thirty-six years,2 Kings 25:27) is an illustration; but perhaps it is rather the retention in captivity of the entire Jewish people that is brought to the prophet's cognizance.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

who turned
שָׂ֥ם(śām)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, set

the world
תֵּבֵ֛ל(tê·ḇêl)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8398:The earth, the globe, its inhabitants, a particular land

into a desert
כַּמִּדְבָּ֖ר(kam·miḏ·bār)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4057:A pasture, a desert, speech

and destroyed
הָרָ֑ס(hā·rās)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2040:To pull down, in pieces, break, & destroy

its cities,
וְעָרָ֣יו(wə·‘ā·rāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5892:Excitement

who refused
לֹא־(lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

to let
פָ֥תַח(p̄ā·ṯaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6605:To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

the captives
אֲסִירָ֖יו(’ă·sî·rāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 615:A bondman, prisoner

return to their homes?”
בָּֽיְתָה׃(bā·yə·ṯāh)
Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1004:A house

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OT Prophets: Isaiah 14:17 Who made the world like a wilderness (Isa Isi Is)